Programs: Center-Sponsored
In addition to internships, Haverford House and the myriad activities supported by its funds, the Center for Peace and Global Citizenship itself organizes a diverse menu of programs.
These Center-sponsored programs take various forms: a semester-long seminar; a weekly discussion of current events; or a day-long symposium on a specific topic. Regardless of the format, all are designed to expose members of the Haverford community to the key global issues of the day and to advance the College’s commitment to peace and social justice.
Below is a sampling of current Center-sponsored programs:
Conversations du Jour (ongoing)
In cooperation with Haverford’s Multicultural Affairs and Student Activities Offices, the Center hosts weekly lunchtime conversations on issues of the day, open to all members of the community and outside guests. Conversations take place each Friday at 12:30 p.m. during the school year in Stokes Hall. A light lunch is served. Past topics have included Fair Trade, the Olympics and the role of clas sin the presidential elections. Read the guidelines for facilitators (pdf).
Inside/Out Seminar (Spring 2009)
This for-credit seminar provides both Haverford and incarcerated students with an opportunity to engage issues of crime, punishment and social justice. Its objectives are to provide a basic overview of criminal justice theory and practice; explore alternative practices; conduct critical analysis of criminal justice and social injustice; and to create a safe space in which inside and outside students can explore their personal perspectives together.
“Deconstructing Conflict and Finding Peace: Cross-Departmental Perspectives on Israel-Palestine” (Fall 2008)
This program grew out of the experience of a Haverford House Fellow who served with the American Friends Service Committee Middle East Program. It brings together Haverford students in a reading group to study the roots of the Israel-Palestine conflict through several academic perspectives, thereby allowing students to evaluate different approaches to peace. In addition to regular meetings, the group attends an off-campus conference on a related topic. Last year, several members of the group were part of a delegation to Israel/Palestine in May/June 2008.
Seminar on Social Medicine (Spring 2009)
This non-credit seminar gives students the opportunity to explore a variety of cross-disciplinary perspectives on health and human rights, social medicine, public health and science and society. Student leaders work with the faculty mentors to design a syllabus and plan discussion sessions. They also are responsible for selecting freshmen and sophomores to participate in the seminar.
Sustainable Investing Seminar (Fall 2008/Spring 2009)
This non-credit seminar, offered for the first time in the current academic year, is designed to provide students with exposure to financial investing from a sustainable point of view. The format calls for monthly reading/discussion sessions, attendance at a national conference, and participation in an on-line trading and investment simulation.
Past programs include:
A Symposium on the Global Water Crisis (Spring 2008)
Working with the College’s Koshland Integrated National Sciences Center, the Center sponsored a day-long symposium on the global water crisis in March 2008. The purpose of the symposium was to draw attention to the world crisis of diminishing fresh water locally, nationally and globally. Featured speakers included experts on water resource management in Africa and China, a water-rights lawyer from Colorado, and a panel of activists who discussed water issues in the Greater Philadelphia area. Current students studying this topic also presented their research. Visit the symposium website.
Burmese Peace Forum (Fall 2007)
The Center hosted a forum on the current political/economic situation in Burma/Myanmar following anti-government demonstrations by Buddhist monks.
“Living King’s Legacy” Symposium (Spring 2008)
The Center co-sponsored an inspiring symposium featuring the work of those who are extending the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and centered on civil rights, racial and economic justice, building beloved communities and non-violent social change.